God has got this..."

Before you read this please know that we are so grateful and have been incredibly blessed by all those who have supported us through contributions, providing services, offering up prayers, words of encouragement and guidance through this adoption process. What comes next is just an example of the ups and downs of walking with God, learning how to trust in Him through all things.

So today is the day when we are supposed to have the kick off for our both hands project. Well, between conflicting schedules, emergency room visits and a series of other obstacles it looks like we are only going to have a few able to attend tonight. The truth be told my instinct is to just cancel the thing and try to reschedule when more people can attend. I see the discouragement in Bethany's face and it just breaks my heart. I want to go into the protective defender of the family and tell the world that we don't need your help...we will do this on our own and that is just how it will be. Then, I was humbled when God put a Word in me and reminded me that we are not doing this nor have we ever been doing this alone. He reminded me of the tea, and then put a name in my head...Gideon. OK, so I go and look up Gideon and I am humbled to read once again that Gideon, who is hiding because he is terrified of what God is asking of him, is referred to as a "Mighty Man of Valor". Isn't it interesting that Gideon is referred to as a mighty man of valor before he did anything, other than run and hide, but you know anything worth that title? A lot of you probably know the rest of the story, God told Gideon to take a handful of warriors to attack something like the rest of the world but not to worry, cause "God has got this..." so bring that several thousand years to today and look at what we have, two beautiful kiddos that need a forever family, us feeling at times completely alone and fearful at times. Knowing that it is hard for people to understand what we are going through. Knowing that we cannot become bitter because our adoption is not as important to everyone else as it is to us. We have to understand that this is our call and our Father will bring people along side us, provide the needed resources to accomplish His work. It is hard to remember but very freeing to remember that it is not about us. That this is about Him, it is happening in His time with the people and resources that He is providing. So to that I say "THANK YOU GOD! You've got this!"

Both Hands: One for the Widow, One for the Orphan

September 15, 2011
Dear Friends and Family,
As you know, we've been going through the process of adopting our beautiful little ladybug, Annabelle (Mao Zhong Wen), and our handsome little dude, Timothy (Mao Zhong Xin), from China. Check out their pics!

We started the adoption process in July 2010, were matched with them on August 2, 2011, and hope to be allowed to travel to pick up our kiddos in January or February 2012.
Annabelle was born with a cleft lip and palate (for which she has had the first surgery), and Timothy has had an injury to his head (of which we do not know the extent). We're anxious to get them home quickly to love on them and address their medical needs as soon as possible.
Right now, ‘getting them’ is the hard part because it’s just flat out expensive.  However, we have been confident that God would provide a way, and He has been faithful in doing just that by supplying many things along our journey. Now, a very interesting fundraising idea has made us believe that He will continue. When we heard about this project over a year ago, we hoped we would be chosen because it is so cool! Now is the time!
We have a chance, not only to raise the ransom for our Annabelle and Timothy, but to also minister to a widow-- just like the Bible talks about in James 1:27. The organization is called Both Hands Foundation, and this is how it works:
We (Chris, Bethany, Alexandra and Hunter) find a widow in need and assemble a team of our family and friends. Then, the team (including us) sends out letters to family and friends asking people to sponsor us for the day as we work on this widow’s home. All the funds go toward the adoption. It’s just like asking someone to sponsor you for a 5K run or golf tournament for a cause.
The idea has been done over 50 times around the country already! Here is an address to a video that might help give you a good idea of what the Both Hands Project is all about.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=98PD-O97N3I

This is our request: Would you consider being on our team to help raise the ransom for Annabelle and Timothy? You may be jumping up and down like we were after we learned about Both Hands saying, “pick me, pick me,” or you might have several questions. We’ll contact you soon to answer those questions and talk about the project. If you’re just not sure, come to the Kick-off/Info Party to see what it’s all about, then decide.
Thank you for even considering it!
Blessings,
Chris, Bethany, Ali and Hunter


Important Dates to remember:
Kick off / Info Party Sunday, September 25, 2011 6:30 PM Hamilton YMCA
Envelope Stuffing Party Sunday, October 9, 2011 6:30 PM Hamilton YMCA
Project Work Day Saturday, November 19, 2011 TBA TBA

Annabelle and her care package....

So thankful for Jenny at True Childrens' Home for delivering Annabelle's gift from her family and sending us these pics.

She's wearing the dress we sent.

This last pic is of Annabelle with her foster parents. We are so grateful to them for their love and care for her!